Nutrition and Pregnancy

Nutrition and pregnancy are about getting the right nutrients before, during, and after being pregnant. The nutrition of the fetus starts when they are created. The nutrition of the mother is important before she gets pregnant and while she is breastfeeding. A growing number of studies have shown that the nutrition of a mother will affect the child. This includes their risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes throughout life.

The nutritive mother is the woman, who eats healthy and nutritious foods during her pregnancy in order to support her growing baby’s nutrition needs while providing for herself as well. The mother should not only focus on eating the right things but also avoiding the wrong ones. Nutrition during pregnancy is a concise and simple guide to support the mother-to-be, from conception to baby’s first birthday or longer. It offers practical advice on diet, supplements, and weight gain, as well as ‘nutrition in action’ boxes which give an overview of how nutrition impacts key stages of fetal development throughout pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a prime opportunity for women to re-evaluate their nutritional habits. The diets of many pregnant women are deficient in important nutrients, while some may be eating too much or too little. The dietary focus includes guidance on how to optimize the diet, whether continuing with pre-pregnancy weight management techniques or aiming for appropriate weight gain during the period of gestation.

Nutrition is an essential part of pregnancy, but it can be complicated by conflicting advice and information. Putting all aspects into perspective, Nutrition and Pregnancy provide a succinct and evidence-based guide for health professionals and midwives caring for pregnant women. It is also an invaluable resource for students taking courses in ante-natal care or nutritional sciences.